1. Initiation of exercise
Our respiratory rate increases because as we initiate exercise, our body will have to use more oxygen and along with that is to produce more carbon dioxide. The oxygen is transported by blood to our lungs which later on be delivered to the muscles that we are going to use during the exercise.
2. Moderate exercise
As mentioned in the first item, our body demands more oxygen as we exercise harder and use our muscles more. The more intense the exercise gets, the higher respiratory rate we have as our body copes with the increase in pulmonary ventilation due to an increase in tidal volume in order to attain the body’s needed oxygen for the said intensity of exercise.
3. Asthma attack
Inflammation and swelling of the airways can result in asthma attacks as extra mucus is produced. This extra mucus causes the bronchial tubes to narrow, making it difficult to breathe or to let air pass through properly.
4. Abrupt ascent into high altitudes
As we go to higher altitudes, the amount of oxygen decreases. This makes it harder for us to breathe that can result in hypoxia (a state when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen within the body to maintain homeostasis).
5. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is from an infection that causes inflammation to the air sacs in our lungs which leads to pus or phlegm when a person who has it coughs along with difficulty in breathing. The alveoli are small sacs that are filled with air breathed by the person so the moment it contains fluid and pus, the oxygen intake becomes limited and breathing becomes painful and difficult.
6. Paralysis of phrenic nerve
Phrenic nerve aids our breathing that provides motor movement to our diaphragm. Paralysis of phrenic nerves can lead to dyspnea or shortness of breath.
7. Severe tuberculosis with resulting lung scar tissue
Tuberculosis is the inflammation and obstruction of airways resulting in the narrowing of these airways. This narrowing can lead to chest pains and dyspnea or shortness of breath.
8. Severe anemia
Breathing difficulty occurs when a person has a severe anemia as the lungs have to meet the demand of the body’s needed amount of oxygen. Blood pressure can also drop as the low count of hemoglobin means inadequate amount of oxygen to reach the brain.
9. advanced COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
COPD leads to the obstructed airflow in the lungs. Air sacs are destroyed as it loses its ability to shrink and stretch and the airway walls become irritated and swollen resulting in excessive production of mucus that can clog the airways.
10. Advanced pregnancy
During pregnancy, it gets difficult for the lungs to fully expand when the uterus starts to press against the diaphragm. This causes the shallow breathing and shortness of breath during pregnancy.